Chapter 37:

A/N: I'm still alive! Anyone still reading this story?

The army had stopped, setting up camp a league away from White Haven. They were all now waiting to hear from Daario and once his message arrived, Ashley Targaryen would add White Haven to her growing kingdom.

Ashley had planned to move through the camp alone but her Queensguard would walk beside her in an attempt to keep her secure. She had argued against so much protection, stating that she was with her own men, but they had reminded her of what had befallen her predecessors who had also placed their faith in their soldiers. So she asked for just one handmaiden to walk with her and when her captains had raised their voices again she ordered silence and made her final decision. That had been the end of the argument.

She had wanted to go flying again but decided to walk through the camp. The only company she had was Missandei and that was so the handmaiden could see her brothers as well. The soldiers stood as the two passed, bowing their heads respectfully. Ashley would stop and talk to a few. Had she not read of leaders long past encouraging their armies with just a word or two? Each man drew himself up higher as he spoke of his respect and belief in her victory even if it meant he would forfeit his life. Ashley hoped that she could avoid as many deaths as possible but that dream was slowly losing its innocence. Missandei stood quietly behind her as she spoke with each soldier, knowing that the men needed this to fortify their faith in their queen.

Ashley continued her walk towards the section of the encampment that housed the Unsullied. To do this she had to pass through an area where some of the families belonging to the soldiers had settled. She was both glad and saddened and how few the numbers were here as it meant that less innocent people were involved in this war but it showed how isolated her soldiers had become over the course of their lives. Most of the freemen had left their families behind and Ashley still did not know what she would do with those men once this had all ended. They would remain here forever if I asked it but what of their families over the ocean? Just as she reached the Unsullied, a messenger came running up behind her.

"Khaleesi," he bowed quickly before continuing "you have visitors. Captain Grey Worm awaits you with them in the meeting area."

Ashley sighed and nodded once in acknowledgement, realizing her journey would have to wait another time. "Go see your brothers Missandei. It seems I shall have to seek another time to see them."

"Khaleesi, I should return with you," Missandei said.

"No. Go and meet your brothers. Doreah and Irri will provide me with anything I need once I return."

Missandei bowed before heading forwards to the ranks of the Unsullied.

Ashley watched her before turning back and heading towards the meeting area. Her mind wondered at who would be visiting her army now. It would have to be men sent by Daario, no one else knew of their presence yet. She entered the tent quickly, not facing her guests until her cloak had been removed and she was settled by the small fire beside her chair. Only then did she look up to see who had arrived.

"Spencer? Jhogo?" Ashley stated, surprise showing on her face as she began to rise from her chair.

Spencer took in a breath, almost shaking with exhaustion and elation at finally arriving. "Ash…Khaleesi," she bowed quickly. "The Frey army is on its way here, not three days behind us."

"The Freys? Come, drink this, you are shaking with weariness," Ashley handed Spencer her cup, "and I shall send for another cup for you Jhogo."

The bloodrider nodded before shifting to sit on a vacant chair, his tiredness beginning to show.

Once Spencer had taken a sip Ashley turned to her again. "Now start from the beginning. Who are the Freys?"

"They are allies of the Lannisters and they have learnt of your arrival in Westeros. They come this way now with a large army in order to challenge yours."

"They know of me? How?"

"I do not know. They laid siege to Riverrrun for a few days before turning north. Jhogo," Spencer indicated to the bloodrider, "and I, suspected the reason behind their new direction and began to head this way. As we passed by them, we heard whispers of their awareness of your army but Walder Frey does not believe they are lead by you. He believes the army is being led by a…Carlin." Spencer paused. Ashley reached out an arm before Spencer shook her head, indicating that she could continue. Ashley let a small frown grace her face before waving her hand for Spencer to continue.

"They know not of your return Khaleesi. They do not believe that any of your family still lives and thus they believe one from Winterfell is commanding this new army." Jhogo said.

"I see. Was there no word of how they would come into this information?"

Jhogo looked at Spencer before facing the Khaleesi again. "They said that a dark man with braided hair had been to see their lord. He was the one who informed them of your presence in Westeros."

"A dark man with…but there is none that could fit that description except my bloodriders and you are here with me except…" The frown returned and deepened on Ashley's face.

"Except Daario, Khaleesi." Jhogo grounded out, his dark eyes shining.

"Why would Daario betray me now?" Ashley asked, almost in thought. A betrayal of gold, something whispered to her mind. The third betrayal. Her eyes focused again, "Do they know of my children?"

"Again they do not believe such is true. They think dragons are for those who would believe every fable told to children."

Rage flashed through Ashley but it quickly disappeared as the Targaryen in her reared again. She walked up to Jhogo and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Thank you. For all you have done to this day. Find your brothers and celebrate your return. I shall call for my captains soon."

Jhogo bowed and left the tent, intent on being with his clansmen again.

"Come Spencer," Ashley beckoned the Westeroi and watched her as she came closer to her chair. Ashley took her hand and watched her for a moment before bring her into an embrace. Once she released her she kept Spencer's hand in hers.

"It has been too long since I have done that. That was not all that happened since you left me was it?" she asked, knowing the answer already in Spencer's eyes. "You seem…affected by something. Will you tell me?"

Spencer blinked rapidly before rubbing a hand across her face. "No. My…the Freys…they murdered my family, lured us to them under false pretenses."

Ashley moved her hand to Spencer's cheek. "Then for this, they shall all die," she whispered with determination, "and I shall give you the honour of avenging your family."

"Thank you, Khaleesi."

"I thought I was now Ashley. Has time taken that from you too?" Ashley asked before leaning forward and placing a lingering kiss on Spencer's lips. "I know time had robbed you of this."

Spencer's breath had shortened and she opened her mouth to answer but could not find the words. Instead, the tears that she had held since that night fell instead.

Ashley took ahold of her and placed her on her lap, letting her cry into her shoulder. "You are mine, Spencer, and these people have taken from mine. They will come to regret this, I promise you." she whispered into Spencer's ears, conviction ringing true in her voice. As will Daario.

Spencer's back, yay!